Thursday, 28 March 2024

Community

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office reported that it has begun to process vote-by-mail ballots for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.

The vote-by-mail processing began on Thursday, Feb. 8, and will continue through Election Day as well as during the official canvass.

The scanning and adjudicating of the official ballots will commence on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Registrar of Voters office, 325 N. Forbes St., Lakeport however, results will not be announced until after the close of the polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day, March 5, 2024.

The official canvass will commence on Wednesday, March 6, at 10 a.m. and will continue daily, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, for not less than six hours each day until completed.

Observers are invited to view the processing and counting of the ballots, but shall not interfere with the election process.

Observers may contact the Registrar of Voters office at 707-263-2372 or toll free at 888-235-6730, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during the official canvass period for the proposed schedule.

Staff may be required to work on some Saturdays, Sundays and county holidays as needed in order to complete the official canvass by the state deadline.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
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Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

Route 1 (44.2/45.6) – Emergency work at Frog Pond Road will occur on Friday, February 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1FA

Route 1 (75.4/76.1) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1TA

Route 1 (101/101.2) – Emergency work west of Leggett continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1XA

Route 1 (104.9/105.5) – Emergency work in Leggett from Jct Route 271 to the South Fork Eel River Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1UA

Highway 20

Route 20 (39.6/44.1) – Utility work form the Cold Creek Bridge to the Lake County Line continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20OA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (33.7/43.2) – Road work south of Willits from Route 20 to Uva Drive in Redwood Valley will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101QD

U.S. 101 (34.5/39.4) – Electrical work north of Redwood Valley from Reeves Canyon Road to Ridgewood Ranch Road will occur on Sunday, February 18. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P101FA

Highway 162

Route 162 (11/12.6) – Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162IA

Route 162 (28.2/30) – Electrical work in Covelo from Wattenburg Road to the Cal Fire Covelo Fire Station will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#C162CA

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (8.3/8.6) – Bridge work near Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101KB

U.S. 101 (12.5/13.4) – Work near Wilson Creek Road in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. A southbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C101OB

U.S. 101 (25.5/25.9) – Sewer work between Citizens Dock Road and Sunset Circle in Crescent City will continue. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101EB

U.S. 101 (35.8/36.5) – Construction at the Dr. Fine Bridge near Smith River will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101WA

Highway 199

U.S. 199 (20/31.1) – Emergency work from east of Gasquet to the Collier Tunnel Rest Area will continue. One-way traffic is scheduled weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to one-hour delays. LC#C199HA

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

Route 36 (11/11.5) – Bridge work from Pamplin Grove to Redwood House Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (25.3/25.4) – Bridge work at Little Larabee Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (35.8/35.9) – Work near South Fork Eel River Bridge 4-119 will begin. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Route 36 (37.2/37.4) – Slipout repair near Burr Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Highway 96

Route 96 (27/27.6) – Construction work near Bluff Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96LA

Route 96 (29.9) – Bridge work at Slate Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C96KA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (67.5/67.7) – Emergency work south of Salmon Creek Bridge will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#M101AA

U.S. 101 (78.3/78.7) – Road work in Eureka from C Street to J Street will continue. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101HD

U.S. 101 (88.3) – Work at the 299 interchange in Arcata will continue. The northbound onramp to Route 299 will be fully closed. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C101KD

Highway 211

Route 211 (77.2/78.6) – Weather-dependent, Fernbridge is scheduled to close for 40 hours beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 23. If all goes according to plan, the bridge could reopen by noon on Sunday, February 25. Motorists should use an alternate route and follow Caltrans District 1 on social media for updates. LC#C211CA

Highway 254

Route 254 (3.2/4.3) – Bridge construction near Fish Creek Road will continue. A full closure will be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route. LC#C254CA

Route 254 (4.3/4.8) – Road work north of Fish Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254DA

Highway 299

Route 299 (0/5.7) – Work from Arcata to Blue Lake will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C299HA

Route 299 (11/11.4) – Construction east of Blue Lake near North Fork Mad River Bridge 4-194 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C299FA

Route 299 (21.5/22.2) - Emergency work west of Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (24.3/24.7) - Emergency work near Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (32.1/32.5) - Construction work near East Fork Campground will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299LA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making it easier for Child and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP, operators affected by historic winter storms to feed children and seniors during this time of great need.

This is one of many recent steps USDA has taken to ensure California residents in need have food to eat.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service approved a California Department of Social Service request for a waiver relating to CACFP operations impacted by a winter storm.

Under the waiver approval, CACFP institutions and sponsoring organizations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, and allow parent and guardian meal pick up.

The waiver is effective through March 9, 2024, or until participants return to in-person instruction or day care.

Additionally, USDA has approved CDSS’ request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that were lost as a result of power outages due to the winter storms that began Feb. 3.

The waiver approval applies to residents of Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Ventura counties and will be in effect through March 4, 2024.

For more information on FNS assistance during times of disaster, visit www.fns.usda.gov/disaster.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Eastlake Landfill and the Public Services Office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The Eastlake Landfill and the Public Services office will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Regular operating hours at the landfill are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Public Services Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding this subject or any solid waste topics in Lake County, please call 707-262-1618.

Bluebirds feeding their young. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Join the Redbud Audubon Society on Thursday, Feb. 15, for a Zoom program presented by Mike Azevedo and Georgette Howington of the California Bluebird Recovery Program, or CBRP.

The program starts at 7 p.m. and will focus on the iconic Western Bluebird and other cavity nesting birds common in many backyards.

Viewers find out why these birds are important and beneficial to humans and what they can do to help Western Bluebirds thrive including the proper care and placement of nest boxes. Register for the program by going to the home page of Redbud Audubon’s website and click on the registration link.

The Western Bluebird is one of everyone’s favorite bird species, featured in Disney movies and modern culture.

Back in 1971, Western Bluebirds were living on land owned by a man named Don Yoder. Yoder was building a house that required trees to be removed. Sadly, the trees contained bluebird nests.

That just didn’t seem fair to Yoder — he was getting a brand new home, but the bluebirds were left with nothing.

Yoder took action and created The California Bluebird Recovery Program to promote the use of nest boxes for bluebirds and other cavity nesting species. The CBRP has become a well-known and widespread organization offering sound advice and tracking important data on the status of Bluebirds and other cavity nesters.

Georgette Howington checking a bluebird house. Courtesy photo.

Georgette Howington is a life member of California Garden Clubs, a certified Horticulturist and UC Davis Naturalist of the Mt. Diablo Region.

Her affiliations as a conservationist in the San Francisco Bay Area community for over 30 years include membership in Mt. Diablo Audubon Society and the California Bluebird Recovery Program among others.

Georgette is State Assistant Program Director of CBRP and has been a nest box monitor for 25 nesting seasons. Her specialized niche is the study and conservation of cavity nesters and their associated habitats.

Mike Azevedo has been the County Coordinator for Santa Clara County with the California Bluebird Recovery Program since 2009. He has been a science camp naturalist, park ranger and merit badge counselor for nature related merit badges for years.

Azevedo is compiler of the San Jose Audubon Christmas Bird Count and has worked with Santa Clara Audubon Society closely since becoming involved.

He is working with Sequoia Audubon Society on a project to save the Western Purple Martin, a species of special concern that is battling habitat loss, deadly competition with the introduced European starling and food source crash due to the rampant use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

Together with Georgette Howington, Azevedo is an editor of the CBRP Facebook Page and is currently working on books and videos encouraging the use of native plants and nest boxes and habitat improvement in general.

Mike Azevedo of the California Bluebird Recovery Program. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Department of Public Works, in coordination with the Konocti Fire Safe Council and associated agencies, has prepared a draft Soda Bay Corridor Evacuation Plan.

The Soda Bay Corridor consists of the arterial roads which serve as primary evacuation routes for multiple densely populated Riviera communities: Soda Bay Road (SR 281) and Point Lakeview Road.

The draft plan is open for the public to read and comment. Members of the public, and particularly residents of the affected communities, are encouraged to read the draft plan and share their feedback.

The 30-day public comment period began on Feb. 8 and will continue until March 9. Afterward, a final version of the plan will be released.

The draft plan is available for public download online here.

A printed copy will be available at the Public Works main office at 255 N. Forbes St., Room 309, in Lakeport.

A public meeting on the plan will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Konocti Harbor Resort, 8727 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.

A presentation will play on a loop and team members will be in attendance to answer any questions. Members of the public are invited to arrive any time during the open house hours and stay for any duration.

Comment on the plan can be provided in three ways:

• Online at: http://tinyurl.com/57fby65y;
• In person at the public meeting on Feb. 28;
• Or mailed and postmarked by March 9 to Public Works Director Scott De Leon, Attn: Soda Bay Corridor Evacuation Plan Comments, 255 N. Forbes St., Room 309, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Upcoming Calendar

28Mar
03.28.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Vision resource group
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

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